Kenmore Ice Maker BAD-TASTE-ICE Error: Ice Has Bad Taste or Odor
The kenmore ice maker bad-taste-ice error is a fault signal from the control board — this guide walks through what it means, common causes, and safe diagnostic steps. Why Does My Kenmore Ice Maker Produce Bad-Tasting or Smelly Ice? Off-tasting or foul-smelling ice from a Kenmore built-in ice maker is one of the most common […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. Off-tasting ice is a quality issue and is almost always safe to consume. The only exception is if household water quality testing reveals bacterial contamination in the water supply — in that case the water supply itself must be addressed before making ice. A standard off-taste from stale ice or an overdue filter presents no health risk.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Bad-taste ice resolves by discarding old ice, washing the bin, replacing the water filter, and flushing two batches of ice. No electronic reset is required. Taste improvement is usually noticeable within 24 hours of completing these steps.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Ice or water has a strong chemical smell inconsistent with normal filter taste — do not consume until the water supply is tested, Visible mold or discoloration inside the ice storage bin after washing.
Symptoms You May Notice
Ice cubes have a plastic, chemical, or musty taste not present in tap water
The off-taste is noticed specifically in ice and beverages made with ice, but the household tap water and the refrigerator water dispenser taste normal — indicating the problem is in the ice maker or ice storage bin rather than the water supply itself.
Ice smells like sulfur, food odors, or mildew
Ice stored in the bin for extended periods absorbs odors from the freezer through the open-air storage bin. Strong-smelling freezer contents — fish, certain vegetables, or spilled foods — flavor ice cubes stored for more than 24–48 hours without a covered bin.
Bad taste began shortly after a new water filter was installed
A new water filter that was not flushed properly retains activated carbon fines — tiny particles of filter media — that dissolve into the first several gallons of water passing through. These particles are harmless but impart a distinctive earthy or charcoal taste to ice made from unflushed filter water.
Ice cubes appear cloudy with visible white particles
Cubes look hazy rather than clear and may contain suspended white flecks or a fine residue that settles in a glass as they melt, indicating dissolved minerals or filter carbon fines in the water used to fill the tray.
Possible Causes
Overdue water filter imparting sediment or bacterial biofilm taste
A water filter that is 6 or more months past its replacement date may no longer effectively remove contaminants and may have developed a bacterial biofilm within the filter media, both of which impart off-taste to water and ice.
DIY PossibleIce bin storing stale or odor-contaminated ice
Ice stored in the open plastic bin for more than a week — especially in a freezer that contains strong-smelling foods — absorbs freezer odors. The plastic bin itself can also absorb odors over years of use. Discarding the old ice and washing the bin resolves the symptom.
DIY PossibleHousehold water supply with high mineral content or sulfur compounds
Ice made from water with high total dissolved solids (TDS), sulfur bacteria, or chloramine concentrations will taste and smell off regardless of filter condition. A water quality test from the local utility or a home test kit is needed to confirm whether the source water is the underlying cause.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Discard all ice, wash the bin, and replace the water filter
Remove the ice storage bin from the Kenmore freezer, discard all existing ice, and wash the bin with warm water and a mild dish soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before returning it. At the same time, replace the water filter with a fresh OEM-compatible filter for your Kenmore model. After installing the new filter, flush 2 gallons of water through the dispenser before allowing the ice maker to produce a new batch. Discard the first two batches of ice after the filter change.
Do not use scented soaps or cleaning products with a strong fragrance to wash the ice bin — even trace residue of fragrance compounds can flavor the next batch of ice. Use unscented dish soap only, or a dilute solution of white vinegar followed by a water rinse.
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2
Deodorize the freezer to eliminate odor sources
Check all freezer contents for open packages, improperly sealed meats, or spilled liquids that may be contributing odors. Place a fresh box of open baking soda in the freezer after cleaning. If the freezer interior has absorbed odors, wipe all interior surfaces with a dilute baking soda and water solution (1 tablespoon per quart), dry thoroughly, and leave the door open for 30 minutes before restoring normal freezer contents.
Kenmore recommends replacing the baking soda odor absorber in the freezer every three months. Strong-smelling foods — fish, certain cheeses, garlic-seasoned meats — should always be stored in sealed, airtight containers to prevent odor transfer to ice.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Water supply tests positive for bacterial contamination requiring treatment at the supply level
- Taste persists despite filter replacement and confirms as a high-TDS or sulfur water supply issue requiring a whole-house filter or reverse osmosis system
- Ice bin has visible mold that does not respond to standard cleaning — bin must be replaced
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